AES E-Library

AES E-Library

A Model of Nonlinear Wave Propagation in Horns

A model of the propagation of sound at finite levels within acoustic horns is proposed. The model is based on finite exponential elements, within which the sound field is expressible in closed analytic form. The linearly predicted sound field is corrected for nonlinear distortion at the end of each element. In order to model the dispersive standing-wave field present in the flare of many practical horn designs, the model predicts the input waveform required at the throat of a horn to give a desired waveform as output at the mouth. Comparisons between measurements of the harmonic distortion produced by loudspeaker horns and the model predictions are presented. It is concluded that the model can predict the degree of nonlinear waveform distortion associated with the propagation of large-amplitude waves in loudspeaker horns.